• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.353-363
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• 2012

The geology of Ulleung-Do is dominated by volcanic rocks with low strength and trachytic rocks with high strength but containing vertical joints that yield easily. Consequently, rockfalls along roadcuts are a major geological hazard, with the potential to affect the ring road of Ulleung-Do. In this study, we performed three types of rockfall hazard-risk assessment on the 3-km-long section of the ring road expected to have the highest possibility of rockfall. We used a rockfall ranking sheet in a roadside landslide hazard map, the Slope Stability Inspection Manual for National Highways (Japan), and a rockfall hazard rating system for inspection from the Japan Highway Public Corporation. We also employed the evaluation criteria of 'RHRS' developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). An analysis of roadcuts at 27 sites with regard to geographic and geological conditions resulted in the identification of three classes of rockfall hazard (high, medium, and low). Of note, over 74% of slopes were assessed as high- and medium-class. Finally, a rockfall hazard map of the northeast region of Ulleung-Do was produced based on the evaluation results.